Athletic and Yuri Berchiche seek breakthrough after stalled talks | OneFootball

Contract talks between Yuri Berchiche and Athletic over a one-year extension through June 2027 have dragged on since before Easter, with no agreement. Both parties appear bound to find common ground, yet the 36-year-old wants terms that reflect his value.

According to as.com, an agreement was close early on, then negotiations drifted apart, were even paused, and later resumed, but a settlement has still not been reached. There is hope a renewal could be announced soon.

At Ibaigane, Athletic have tended to cut salaries sharply on one-year or 1+1 deals for veterans such as Joseba Etxeberria, Raúl García and Óscar de Marcos. Those conditions do not fit Berchiche, and succession at left-back is far from guaranteed.

The Zarautz-born full-back, signed from PSG for more than 20 million, has not dipped in performance. He was the team’s best player by some distance last season, maintaining intensity and consistency, and has said he would continue only if fully fit.

His ties to Bilbao are unquestionable and he is open to staying another year, but not at any price. The club need him more than he needs the club. New coach Edin Terzic hopes to count on him given his status in the San Mamés dressing room, and he is currently on holiday along with the rest of the squad.

Source: as.com